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Air Quality in the Home
Indoor air quality matters greatly to
our health. The average American
spends 90% of the time indoors. Identify
the possible pollutants in your home
and learn how to improve your air by
reducing your exposure. Air pollutants
fall into three categories: particulates,
gases, and radon.
Particulates
Tiny particles from woodstoves and
unvented appliances such as gas stoves
can penetrate deep into the lungs and
stay for a long time, causing acute or
chronic effects. Larger particles – such
as mold, pollen, dander, and dust – don’t
penetrate as deeply but can cause
allergic responses. The health effects of
particulates depend on the types and
concentrations of particles present, the
frequency and duration of exposure, and
an individual’s sensitivity.
Gaseous Pollutants
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless,
odorless gas that is a byproduct of
incomplete fossil fuel combustion. CO
interferes with the delivery of oxygen in
the body. It can cause headaches,
dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion,
fatigue, increased chest pain in people
with chronic heart disease, and death.
California now requires that residences
with fossil fuel sources or attached
garages have CO detectors installed.
Nitrogen Dioxide is also a byproduct
of burning fossil fuels. It is a smelly,
reddish-brown gas that irritates the
mucous membranes in the eye, nose,
and throat and can cause shortness
of breath. There is evidence that high
concentrations or continuous exposure
to nitrogen dioxide increases the risk
of respiratory infection. Animal studies
suggest that repeated exposures to
elevated nitrogen dioxide levels may
contribute to the development of lung
disease such as emphysema. Risk is
higher in children and individuals with
asthma and other respiratory diseases.
Volatile Organic Compounds
VOCs are a certain class of compounds
that vaporize readily and can enter the
air we breath. Formaldehyde, benzene,
toluene, and styrene are well-known
VOCs. A related group of chemicals
are called semi-volatile organic
compounds (SVOCs), and include
phthalates, halogenated fire retardants,
perfluorocarbons, and some pesticides.
Effects of exposure to VOCs include eye,
nose, and throat irritation; headaches,
loss of coordination, nausea; and
damage to liver, kidney, and central
nervous system. Some VOCs are
suspected or known to cause cancer in
humans.
factsheet
Air Quality in the Home
Common Pollutants & Remedies
Radon
Although it’s not common in the East
Bay, radon is one of the most serious
indoor air hazards in the US and Europe.
Radon comes from uranium in the
soil or rock on which homes are built.
As uranium naturally breaks down, it
releases radon gas, which is colorless,
odorless, and radioactive. A low-cost
test can be purchased at hardware
stores to determine radon levels, and
simple solutions can be implemented to
fix the problem.
Sources of Indoor Air Pollution:
Clothes, Linens, Curtains, Furniture,
Mattresses
The chemical most widely used in dry
cleaning – perchloroethylene – accumulates
in body fat and studies have shown that
women exposed to it have an increased
risk for breast cancer. Short-term exposure
may cause skin irritation, dizziness, and
headaches. The EcoDirectory lists cleaners
who use alternative methods for dry
cleaning. New clothing, drapes, and linens
may have been treated with formaldehyde.
Wash them before using or unwrap and let
them air outside for a week before bringing
them in. Shower curtains made from vinyl
(PVC) emit VOCs and phthalates. Shower
curtains made from cotton, hemp, or EVA
Air Quality in the Home (continued)
plastic are better alternatives. Flame retardants used on couches,
futons, mattresses, and foam furniture have been shown to
cause developmental and reproductive harm, cancer risks, and
other health impacts. Advocate for changes to laws that require
toxic chemical flame retardants. Call manufacturers and ask
about their use of flame retardants before you purchase. Check
the EcoDirectory for listings for natural material mattresses and
reused furniture.
Candle, Incense, Cigarette & Woodsmoke
Most candles are made with paraffin, a petroleum product. When
burned, paraffin candles release known carcinogens (cancercausing substances) such as benzene, toluene, formaldehyde,
acetaldehyde, and acrolein. They also release asthma-causing
soot. Most incense contains formaldehyde and phthalates. When
burned, carcinogenic chemicals are released into the air, along
with CO, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. Woodsmoke and
cigarettes release a similar stew. Burning incense produces the
VOCs benzene, toluene, and xylene, which cause respiratory
irritation and may trigger DNA mutations. Gasses and particulate
matter permeate rapidly through indoor spaces and can leave
toxic residue. Solutions: Beeswax and soy candles do not
generally produce soot or toxins when burned. To clear the air,
open windows and doors. Try a drop of essential oil in a bowl
set on a radiator or in an aromatherapy candleholder. Please
note that some people may be sensitive to essential oil as well.
Simmer apple cider with spices, or simmer mint, citrus peel,
rosemary, bay leaves, and cloves. Better Basics for the Home by
Annie Berthold-Bond contains many recipes for creating scents.
Appliances
Appliances that run on natural gas or kerosene such as stoves
and furnaces should be vented. They release carbon monoxide,
particulates, and nitrogen dioxide. Use an exhaust fan over gas
stoves and ranges that vents to the outdoors. Keep the burners
properly adjusted to burn with a blue-tipped flame; a persistent
yellow-tipped flame indicates maladjustment. All furnaces,
flues, and chimneys should be inspected and repaired annually.
When using a fuel space heater, follow manufacturer instructions
carefully and ventilate the room. Clean the filter on forced air
furnaces frequently.
Building Materials
Formaldehyde can enter the air from furniture, building materials,
particleboard, and cabinetry. The EPA lists formaldehyde as a
probable carcinogen and the California Air Resources Board
lists it as a Toxic Air Contaminant with no safe level of exposure.
Formaldehyde may cause burning sensations in the eyes and
throat, nausea, and difficult breathing. High concentrations
may trigger asthma attacks. When possible, choose reused
furniture: the VOCs are more likely to have evaporated. Pick solid,
sustainably harvested wood rather than particleboard.
Carpet and Vinyl Flooring
New carpet and vinyl flooring can off-gas VOCs. Carpet can
also hold particulates that cause respiratory problems. Of the
chemicals released from synthetic carpet, most notable are
styrene and 4-phenylcyclohexane (4-PC), both of which come
from the synthetic latex backing used on 95 percent of carpets.
The “new carpet” aroma is the odor of 4-PC off-gassing. 4-PC
irritates eyes, respiratory system, and central nervous system.
The adhesive used to affix carpet to the floor typically contains
benzene and toluene. Solution: Even the best wall-to-wall carpet
is a haven for dust mites, mold spores, and lingering VOCs, and
is often one of the largest hosts of contaminants in our homes.
Avoid wall-to-wall carpet. Choose area rugs on a bare floor that
can be cleaned to remove pollutants that collect in them. Choose
natural linoleum rather than vinyl flooring.
Cleaners, Air Fresheners, Body Products & Perfumes
Cleaning products often contain ingredients listed as
asthmagens, carcinogens, reproductive toxins, or toxic air
contaminants. Volatile components are emitted into the air
during and after the cleaning processes and can degrade air
quality. For safer alternatives, refer to the Ecology Center’s
Alternative Cleaning Recipes fact sheet. Fragrance is added to
many cleaners, laundry detergents, and fabric softeners. The
chemical formulas of fragrances are considered trade secrets,
so companies aren’t required to list ingredients on labels,
even though many contain VOCs linked to asthma, allergies,
headaches, and cancer. VOCs and SVOCs are released from
many deodorants, hair sprays, shampoos, toners, nail polishes,
perfumes, and air fresheners. To avoid these chemicals, select
fragrance-free products and avoid aerosols. Wear essential oils in
lieu of perfumes or no scents at all.
Pesticides & Disinfectants
Common pesticides and disinfectants used indoors can contain
chemicals that irritate eyes, nose, and throat, and cause
headache, dizziness, muscular weakness, and nausea. Exposure
has been linked to increased cancer risk, and chronic exposure
to some pesticides can damage the liver, kidneys, endocrine and
nervous systems. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies
exist that minimize the need for harmful pesticides. Hydrogen
peroxide, vinegar, and alcohol can be effective sanitizers.
Biological Contaminants
Biological contaminants include molds, mildew, animal dander,
cat saliva, house dust mites, cockroaches, and pollen. All
can trigger allergies or asthma. To control exposure to these
contaminants, clean and vacuum regularly, preferably with
a HEPA filter. Wash bedding in hot water. Mold, mildew, and
roaches thrive in humid conditions; control indoor humidity by
using bath and kitchen exhaust fans. Refer to the California
Health Department fact sheet on mold for more guidance.
Other Great Ideas
You can address indoor air problems by removing the source,
ventilating, and using air cleaners. From time to time, open your
windows and doors and let fresh outdoor air circulate. NASA has
compiled a list of houseplants that filter significant amounts of
benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from indoor air. Air
cleaners are available that can help with ongoing problems. Be
sure to get out in nature and visit the great outdoors.
Recommended Resources
Ecology Center EcoDirectory, ecologycenter.org/directory
EPA Indoor Air Guide, epa.gov/iaq/
Please consider supporting the Ecology Center’s free educational resources at www.ecologycenter.org/donate
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